I'm "phunque" and I'm a life-long Apple fan, starting with my first Apple 2e. I just bought a new iPad (3rd gen) and looked forward to using it while traveling in Europe. I knew it's GPS was worthless without 4G (which probably wouldn't work in Europe anyway) but I thought I could get around that with maps. On my PowerBook, I could simply call up my day's maps with a Wi-Fi connection, copy off the detailed maps I wanted with Grab, save them as jpgs or whatever, and call them up as needed during the day's travels, without need for a hot spot. I haven't found a way to accomplish that with my iPad. What's worse, I can't even figure out how to write a doc without drafting it as a email and sending it to myself. I realize the iPad was never intended to be a thin Mac but ...

I'm "phunque" and I'm a life-long Apple fan, starting with my first Apple 2e. I just bought a new iPad (3rd gen) and looked forward to using it while traveling in Europe. I knew it's GPS was worthless without 4G (which probably wouldn't work in Europe anyway) but I thought I could get around that with maps. On my PowerBook, I could simply call up my day's maps with a Wi-Fi connection, copy off the detailed maps I wanted with Grab, save them as jpgs or whatever, and call them up as needed during the day's travels, without need for a hot spot. I haven't found a way to accomplish that with my iPad. What's worse, I can't even figure out how to write a doc without drafting it as a email and sending it to myself. I realize the iPad was never intended to be a thin Mac but ...

Any guidance would be most appreciated.

-- phunque

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As per my experience with iPhones the GPS does work without using G-connections, just you will not download any maps data.
However, if you cache the maps you want to see they stay in the app and once your device gets a location it is shown on the map - as said, new map data will not be downloaded without connection.
4G is (or will soon) be offered at least here in Germany anyway you can still connect to 3G

To write a doc you simply need an app which is generally not included natively in the device.
Check the app store....

While not as accurate maps will work with wifi only and likely should not be depended upon for real time navigation. However for walking directions, locating points of interest and the such it should suffice. With that said there are many apps that are available for travelers you may find fit your needs nicely. Check out the link below for info on iPad traveler apps:

As far as documents go again depending on the desired function many options exist. As mentioned by a previous poster the native Notes and Reminders apps may do the trick for you. If you need a more robust type solution then the link below may help:

The IPad Forum is a community of members from all walks of life and from all over the world coming together to share our experiences and to help each other learn about this wonderful piece of technology the Ipad. There is a wealth of information already here in the many threads we have so doing some searches will answer most of the questions you have. If then you cannot find the answer you are seeking then by all means post your question. There are many friendly and informed members here only too willing to help you.

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